Visayan Sword

[Lew]

Just picked up this interesting late 20th century sword. I have no idea what it's called :shrug:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261097505613

[Robert]

Hello Lew, I could be wrong but I would call this a sansabar though I think it is a very late example it is a very nice sword. Hope this might be of some help. Auction pictures below.

Regards,
Robert

[VVV]

I also have one of these bolos.
The seller thought it came from Panay but I haven't found out much more about it.

Michael

[Dimasalang]

I also have one strikingly similar. Chiseled edge makes it more so coming from the Visayas region. I also was told Panay. My guess would be these to be 30s or WWII(or a little after) production, but to me it does feel more of a weapon then a farming implement or even a tourist piece. The blade is somewhat thick but the slim shape makes it feel more like a rod in my hand. A filipino martial art or stick art really comes to mind when holding this one, as it really feels like a cross between a stick and sword. An eskrimador weapon maybe?(considering FMAs was really taking off in that specific region and era). The weight and balance feels good...and the blade material doesn't feel or look cheap.

[Lew]

Thanks guys. It should be here this Friday will let you know what my impression is :).

[Lew]

The piece arrived today. It seems to be of good quality and has a 5/16th inch thick blade at the hilt and the sharpness is good to. Probably a 1980s-90s as far as age goes but may be earlier (Vietnam era)? :)

[Bangkaya]

Interesting sword, but not a sansibar. There is nothing on this sword that points to a Carigara or Jaro, Leyte sword making tradition where the sansibar is made. It is a visayan sundang, but the blade shape is more like a dahong palay of Luzon. But everything else points to a Visayan origin. The scabbard is really interesting, I've seen similar sundang with the same scabbards coming from Zamboanga. This is a possibility since Zamboanga is sort of a the melting pot in Mindanao with Visayan, Moro, and Lumad influences. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Regards,
Bangkaya

[Reichsritter]

Looks like a stretched Binagon to me with subo' (dipped in hot oil)